Vlad Chiriches should explore the possibility of competing in the Serie A if the opportunity to represent AS Roma, potential as Mehdi Benatia's replacement, presented itself.

That is the view of Mihai Georgescu, who was one of the first coaches to nurture the 24-year-old centre back when the player was in Romania.

Having suffered a knee injury and back injury, Chiriches was restricted in the amount of competitive football he could enjoy last term, but a switch to Italy could kick-start his career, implies Georgescu.

"It will be good with the Rome," he said in Corriere dello Sport. "In Italy will be able to prove his worth. I'm happy for Vlad, the transfer will do him good.

"There is a big difference between the English and the Italian championship - and he could play in one of the four teams that count.

"In the Premier League he has had injuries and did not [play] to his fullest [potential."